Saturday, November 5, 2011

Buy a can of formula, WIN a FREE shirt!

Orphan Sunday is this Sunday. To some, this isn't a big deal. You won't think twice about what you are reading.  The thought of an "Orphan Sunday" won't stop you dead in your tracks with the images of lonely children. You will go to church, just like every other Sunday. But, to others, Orphan Sunday is a tender day filled with memories bundled with hope and dreams. Orphan Sunday is a time for the church to come together and be the voice for the fatherless.   For our own family, I am sparked with desire and passion when I look at my own little girl that was forever placed into our family 2.5 years ago. To think of what her life was like and what her future could have been. My family is not special, we are just humans filled with faults, sin and more times than not, disobedience.  

Berhanesh (in Ethiopia-2009)

Berhanesh (HOME-Nov. 2011)

"The gospel uniquely drives orphan care.  We are not the rescuers; we are the rescued." D. Platt

Into the Streets of Ethiopia stands for orphans.  God has asked us to defend the fatherless, to care for the child that is without a family and to visit orphans in their distress (James 1:27).

We are asking you to join hands with us and help care for children that are in desperate need of the body of Christ.

Statistics are overwhelming!   Would you prayerfully consider what you can do for ONE?  $12 provides one can of US brand formula (Enfamil or Walmart).


For every can of formula purchased ($12), you will be entered one time to win one of our *NEW* shirts (your choice). Help us spread the word on Facebook and Twitter!




You can donate HERE:

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***Eligibility to win a free a shirt ends Sunday, Nov. 6 at Midnight (cst).***

Thursday, November 3, 2011

2 **NEW** Shirt Designs

 Shop With A Purpose This Holiday Season. 

Into the Streets of Ethiopia is proud to offer 2 **NEW** Shirt Designs! 






 Women's Design (Pink/Grey) Men's Design (Black/Grey)
$23 FREE SHIPPING
Brand:  Gildan UNISEX 100% preshrunk heavyweight 6.1oz cotton T-Shirt. Seamless collar, taped neck and shoulders.  Available in Unisex Small, Medium, Large and XLarge, 2XLarge (Men's Design only).




Youth Design (Black/Red or Hot Pink/Daisy Yellow)
$16 FREE SHIPPING
Brand: (Black/Red) Gildan 100% preshrunk heavyweight 6.1oz cotton T-Shirt. Seamless collar, taped neck and shoulders.  Brand: (Hot Pink/Daisy Yellow) Jerzees Fabric/Style: 5.5-ounce, 50/50 cotton/poly; taped shoulder to shoulder, ribbed collar, double-needle sleeve and bottom hem.  Available in  S(6-8), M(10-12), L(14-16).  **Youth design runs small.**
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Let's face it, infant baby formula is expensive and  Into the Streets of Ethiopia buys *a lot* of formula!  By purchasing this new shirt, you are providing 55 bottles of formula to babies in need in Ethiopia, Africa. Wow!  Buy a shirt, feed a child.



 Women and Men UNISEX Design (Black/Grey)
$30 FREE SHIPPING
Brand:  Gildan UNISEX 100% preshrunk heavyweight 6.1oz cotton T-Shirt. Seamless collar, taped neck and shoulders.  Available in Unisex Small, Medium Large and XLarge, 2XLarge.


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A BIG "Thank You" to the kids at Crossroads Baptist Church in The Woodlands for modeling our new gear! Photographs taken especially for Into the Streets of Ethiopia by the very talented Chelsea Kawata!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Reunion!

One year ago, in a far away land,  I had the honor of meeting a special little boy. My mother and I were prepared to meet and love on lots of children as we visited our partner, Adoption Ministry of YWAM-Ethiopia.  We spent several days in Adama, Ethiopia at the Widow and Orphan home.  As I held his tiny body, I knew in my spirit that he was special! As soon I returned home from Ethiopia, I shared his photos and his story with my family.  Over the last year, this little boy has been talked about many times over dinner with my children. We prayed for him to gain strength and weight, to be safe until joined with his forever family.



Through a series of God-appointed events, I was introduced (several months before he came home) to his soon-to-be adoptive mommy. I shared my memories and she shared her hopes for this wanted child.  I have watched this family walk a journey similar to our own adoption story and am thrilled to report that Ty is finally home!

This last weekend, Tulio and I traveled to Phoenix to attend the Together for Adoption conference.  Among many great moments of representing Into the Streets of Ethiopia, reuniting with Ty was the highlight for me! What a true picture of grace and redemption! 



Your donations do count!  You are helping save lives! Just as my friend Ty benefited from infant baby formula, there are many more waiting to receive the gift of powdered gold!  Would you consider being a life changer?  $13 (the cost of one can of Walmart infant Formula) can be the difference between life and death.  

If you want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.
Mother Teresa

Into the Streets of Ethiopia needs YOU!  4 times a year, by faith we support Adoption Ministry of YWAM-Ethiopia with a check of $3800-$4300 to purchase a 3 month supply of formula (to feed all the babies at 4 Widow and Orphan Homes--see map below).  Formula is purchased in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, packed and loaded into a van and delivered to each home. We have completed two formula trips since June. ***Enfamil and Walmart (Parent's Choice) formula is always appreciated and welcomed via donation to Into the Streets of Ethiopia or to YWAM-Ethiopia.  We send as many loads of collected formula with traveling adoptive families or mission trip volunteers. *** We have learned---you can never have enough baby formula in Ethiopia.





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Sunday, October 9, 2011

YWAM Mercy Development Feeding Center

Into the Streets of Ethiopia would like to introduce you to some new friends!





Into the Streets of Ethiopia began a partnership with YWAM Mercy Development in February 2011.  Through the generosity of faithful Into the Streets supporters, we have successfully funded 100 % of the Mercy Development Feeding Center Project {a community-based outreach to the streets of Addis Ababa} for the last 8 months. This project is designed to benefit street children between the ages of 6-15.  Objectives of this project include (but are not limited to):
  • The identifying of 20 vulnerable children (who do not receive support elsewhere) that would greatly benefit from the support of this program.
  • Provide spiritual training.
  • Provide a balanced, nutritious meal at lunch 5 times per week.
  • Clothing {school uniforms and shoes} in addition to school fees and equipment needed.
  • Emergency medical care.
  • Holiday gifts.
***We are happy to report that 17 of the 20 students passed their latest exams with flying colors!  It's amazing how a brain can function properly with a full tummy!***

If you would like more information about this project or you would be interested in helping Into the Streets of Ethiopia fund the 2011-12 year, please contact us at PORTILLA@INTOTHESTREETSOFETHIOPIA.COM.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Students in Georgia making a *HUGE* difference for orphans in Ethiopia


“A little goes a long way! Help buy formula for orphans in Ethiopia!”

Hebron Christian Academy’s Missions Club made posters with these logos and carried them to carpool every Tuesday and Thursday for 6 weeks along with change buckets to collect money for Into the Streets of Ethiopia. They also put collection buckets in each homeroom, and had a competition to see which class could fill their bucket the most. After collecting, the hard part began: rolling all of the change! Each week the group met for 45 minutes to roll quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies. 6 weeks later, all the coins were rolled, and the students eagerly awaited the total. They were ecstatic to find out they had been able to raise $1128.50!


Here are some quotes from the students {that participated}:

“The hope of being able to affect the lives of others provides incredible joy to people.” –Cole Redman (on what he learned from the campaign)
“It made my fingers smell gross like copper, but it was worth it.” –Elise Murray (on rolling coins)
“I learned a lot about how big a problem not having formula is for orphans and how much a little money could do to help.” –Tiffany Bagley (on what she learned)
“Early morning carpool is kind of difficult with sleepy parents ignoring us, but just do some jumping and attract attention, and there ya go!” –Amanda Fischels (on what it was like to stand out and collect change early in the morning)
“I hope the loose change provides hope for the kids and provides for them so that they know there’s people that care.” –Brooke Felt (on what she hoped the loose change would accomplish)
“To me, it’s completely unfair that some children don’t get opportunities to grow and develop like others only because they lack resources. Collecting change for formula gave me a say in it.” –Anonymous

Thank You Hebron Christian Academy!  You guys ROCK!!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

A Special way to Celebrate your Child's Birthday


Years ago, before we even had children, my husband Craig and I had decided to be different than the typical Americans. We wanted to build houses in Mexico on Spring Break and to spend our Saturday mornings at the food bank. We wanted to spend our money on things that mattered...not just new cars, more toys, or a larger house. Our goal was to be servants and God's hands and feet on the Earth. To live out the Great Commission in our daily lives.

This included how we decided to grow our family. Instead of a traditional pregnancy, we opted for adoption. We adopted our daughter Zamara from Ethiopia August 2008. At that time, she was just over 5 months old. Over the last 2 and 1/2 years we have racked our brain on ways to serve even while she was young. We wanted to teach Zamara that life was about giving of ourselves on behalf of Christ. She was a Salvation Army Bell ringer (with mom's help!) this last Christmas. This summer Zamara will go on her first mission trip to the San Carlos Indian Reservation where we will build a house for a family in need. We are always looking for unique ways to serve. As we were planning her birthday last year, we came up with a rather clever idea that any family can do...Instead of birthday presents we collected donations!

We are blessed and have a house full of toys and clothes-Zamara does not need anything else. Last year for her birthday we collected clothing, medicine, toys, and cash donations for Zamara's orphanage in Ethiopia (Kids Care). We were able to send two giant boxes full of items to Ethiopia! It was amazing to see people respond generously to such a request.

This year we wanted to keep the theme of serving Zamara's home country. We collected both cash and baby formula for Into The Streets of Ethiopia. We happily collected 14 large cans of formula and over $300 in cash donations! We had a great birthday and were able to share information about many of the issues of poverty going on in Ethiopia and around the world.

We want to send out the challenge to families all over the U.S. to do the same at their child's next birthday.

Craig, Laura, and Zamara Ducommun


If you would like to learn more about the Ducommon family, you can go HERE.

Thank you Craig and Laura for your support of Into the Streets of Ethiopia.

Shop with Into the Streets

Into the Streets of Ethiopia has some fabulous items for sale!

30% of each sale benefits Into the Streets of Ethiopia
Go HERE to purchase!

Thanks JunkPosse for supporting us!

100 % of each sale benefits Into the Streets of Ethiopia

Go HERE to find shirt sizes and to purchase!
{click on orange Donate Now button}
Instrumental Worship CD
100% of each sale benefits Into the Streets of Ethiopia

Go HERE to learn more and to purchase!
{click on the blue Donate Now button}

We have shirts!

Have you ever grumbled the words, “I’m starving!” while pulling your car thru a drive-thru and ordering a nutritionally-challenged meal that costs triple the daily income of most of the world’s citizens?

I have.

Of course, I didn’t really mean those words and yes; I know that starvation is a real issue.  I have seen it with my eyes, and held the children in my arms.  But, I forget.  Into the Streets of Ethiopia is working to help the forgotten children of Ethiopia.  Buy a shirt, and provide food and formula to those who are truly starving.

Men's Design (on left):

Brand: Tultex Unisex Tee
4.5 oz. 100% ring spun cotton 30/1's fine knit jersey, tubular fit construction, ribbed crew taped neck and shoulders with double needle sleeves and bottom hem.  Tear-Away tag.  Chocolate brown.  This is not a slim 4.5 oz. 100% ring spun cotton 30/1's fine knit jersey, tubular fit.  This style is super soft, very roomy and comfortable.   Available in Medium, Large, XLarge, 2XL and 3XL.
Women's Design (on right):

Brand: Tultex Juniors SLIM FIT Tee & Tultex Unisex Tee
4.5 oz. 100% ring spun cotton 30/1's fine knit jersey, fashion fit, side seamed, self fabric collar, double needle hemmed sleeves and bottom.  Tear-Away tag.  Chocolate Brown.  Available in Medium, Large and XLarge.  *Into the Streets recommends you order one size UP from your regular size for the SLIM FIT shirt.*  This style is super soft, stretchy and very comfortable. For those that do not like the SLIM FIT tee, you may order the women's design in the Tultex Unisex Tee.  Available in Slim Medium, Large and XLarge; Unisex Large and XLarge.

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All shirts are $30 plus FREE SHIPPING! Please indicate style and size when ordering.

Our original Into the Streets of Ethiopia art was created by Otherworld Outfitters LLC

All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2010

Junk Posse Africa Love Swirl Necklace & WINNER ANNOUNCED!!!

***  Winner ***  
Melissa @ http://thelemanskis.blogspot.com.  Please send me your email address---portilla@intothestreetsofethiopia.com.  Junk Posse has been notified!  Congrats!!!

Into the Streets of Ethiopia and Tracy at Junk Posse have teamed up for another awesome giveaway!

The winner of this giveaway will receive the BRAND NEW "Love Swirls in Africa Necklace" inspired and created to aide orphans in Ethiopia.










This necklace is an amazing reminder of the orphans in Africa & how they are loved by so many. If you ever have the opportunity to work with or visit the orphans in Africa,
you will never be able to forget them. They will be imprinted on your heart forever.
I design each Africa pendant by hand and detail each with beautiful swirls on the front, I have added a sterling silver heart & swarovski crystal gem wrapped in sterling silver wire. On the back I hand stamp the word "Love"
over & over again. I have paired the pendant with a nice
20" sterling rolo chain & clasp.
Note: I can also add another color crystal instead of the clear.

Here is how you can earn a chance to own this lovely piece:
{Winner will be announced Oct. 1}

GIVE financially to Into the Streets of Ethiopia! It is easy and your giving is tax-deductible.  Can you spare $12 for a can of formula? Formula is life! Babies in Africa need you, NOW!

Would you 
Talk to your church, your pastor, your small group, your friends and family about Into the Streets of Ethiopia and our mission? Would you spread the message of hope? We have promotional material that is ready to be shipped to you. We are also available to come to your church and share our hearts and ministry.

Grab our button, put it on your blog! Leave a comment telling me your blog address.

Post about this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your blog (how about all 3?) and then leave a comment telling if you gave for formula, who you talked to about Into the Streets of Ethiopia and where you reposted about this necklace giveaway and the mission of Into the Streets of Ethiopia. You can earn several chances to own this incredible piece!


If you want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.
Mother Teresa




Please help Into the Streets of Ethiopia as we continue to send a love message to the beautiful children of Ethiopia!


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Brand New CD Release TODAY!

***RELEASED TODAY***





Sample Songs:




Into the Streets of Ethiopia is honored to be be at the receiving end of such an incredible, heartfelt project.  Hannah Yau, friend and supporter of Into the Streets of Ethiopia, shares some background to the leading of this cd:

     "We are a small group from Woodsedge Community Church. The mission statements of our church is something as relevant to today as it was 2,000 years ago: Love Jesus. Journey Together. Bring Hope to the World.

     Loving Jesus is always something internal. Each person has to desire and that change in ourselves. Journeying together - well that's why small groups exist! Bring Hope to the World...now that's a harder one to do! This involves stepping out of our comfort zones and learning to put others first.

     The challenge has for our small group always had a hard time trying to find TIME to serve together. We had been studying Margins and learning how to better prioritize what's important in life, and with that, came better family times, better personal relationships with God, and of course, a better bonding with the other families.

     Early summer 2010, I felt God tugging me to be involved in a CD recording. This was a little out of my league. I am a performer, and I had no idea where to begin the journey. So I prayed about it. Needless to say, God met me in every single step of the process. Find a guitar player? Well, I knew just who. And before I could even ask about a recording studio, it was presented to me. Need a graphics person? There she is. Oh - and a CD production company? Here are two to choose from. Need friends to help move the piano? God had it down.

     God orchestrated the entire project. And our small group was able to be a part of it in so many levels. We have grown closer. We have journeyed the process together. And we pray that it would be a blessing to you as you share in moments that remind us: God is Hope."

We would like to thank Dr. Philbert & Hannah Yau for being obedient in your service to the Lord.   In addition, to those at Woodsedge Church who dedicated their time, talent and efforts to this project--Thank you!  It is an honor to "serve the least of these" together!


Click BELOW to purchase your CD!!  
         ***FREE SHIPPING***
                        $15.00


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